The content of this piece is the 86th Surah in the Quran, At-Tariq, which in English means “The Night Comer.” This is possibly my favourite Surah, because of its brooding and mysterious nature. The pattern is created using only the text from this Surah, written in the Diwani Jali script. Verses 1-7 (numbered in the text with the Eastern Arabic Numerals) are written along the top and bottom. Verses 8-14 are written in the outer ring, 15 and 16 in the inner ring. The final verse, verse 17, is written in the center circle. Dimensions: 55x35cm.

86:1 By the sky and the night comer
86:2 And what can make you know what is the night comer?
86:3 It is the piercing star –
86:4 There is no soul but that it has over it a protector.
86:5 So let man observe from what he was created.
86:6 He was created from a fluid, ejected,
86:7 Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.
86:8 Indeed, Allah, to return him [to life], is Able.
86:9 The Day when secrets will be put on trial,
86:10 Then man will have no power or any helper.
86:11 By the sky which returns [rain]
86:12 And [by] the earth which cracks open,
86:13 Indeed, the Qur’an is a decisive statement,
86:14 And it is not amusement.
86:15 Indeed, they are planning a plan,
86:16 But I am planning a plan.
86:17 So allow time for the disbelievers. Leave them awhile.